Characteristics of water inflow and chemical grouting treatment of a Liu Yuanzi Coal Mine shaft in the Ordos Basin

During shaft constructing, a borehole water inflow of 30 m3/h was encountered in Liu Yuanzi Coal Mine in the southwestern Ordos Basin, whose aquifer is mainly cretaceous. On the basis of regional hydrogeological conditions, a mercury intrusion method and scanning electron microscope were used in this study. We conclude that the loose, porous and easily collapsible clay particles of the cretaceous aquifer rock mass were the major geological cause for water hazards during the construction of the shaft. We propose an approach of chemical grouting from the working surface and in the end succeeded in blocking the water.